TBD Meeting Schedule

What is a Transportation Benefit District?

A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is an entity created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing and funding transportation improvements within the established District. Under RCW 36.73 the Washington State legislature permits local governments to form a TBD and fund it through a variety of funding mechanisms, the most common being a Vehicle license fee.

Why Richland?

Richland's TBD will prioritize two important transportation system needs:

Pavement Preservation Plan. The TBD will Increasefunding dedicated to local street resurfacing. Several recent street condition surveys indicate that increased investment is needed to stem a trend toward poorer conditions. Funding sources dedicated to the Pavement Preservation Program are not indexed for inflation and lose buying power over time. This requires the City to set aside General Fund tax revenues that are also needed for public safety, parks, and the Library. The TBD will provide additional dedicated funding for street resurfacing.

Duportail Bridge. The TBD will supplement the funding shortfall needed to deliver the Duportail Bridge project. The City has secured the majority of funding for the Bridge, but some local funds are needed to complete the package.

TBD Schedule

When will the Richland TBD fee go into effect?

The City Council unanimously approved the formation of the TBD on March 21, 2017. The funding ordinance was unanimously approved by the TBD on May 2, 2017. Collection of the vehicle license renewal fees will begin in January 2018.

Will the TBD and vehicle fee expire once the Duportail Bridge is paid for?

Yes. The fee will sunset when the debt issued to fund the Duportail Bridge is retired. The sunset provision will allow a future City Council to reassess its funding solution for the Pavement Preservation Program.